All MPH Programs in Iowa (2025)
For those interested in advancing public health in Iowa, Master of Public Health (MPH) programs across the state offer diverse opportunities. This guide provides Iowa-specific context and answers common questions about pursuing an MPH in Iowa, complementing individual program details.
University of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
Dual BA/MPH Program
The University of Iowa offers a highly selective BA/MPH dual degree program, enabling students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Public Health in an accelerated five-year timeframe. This program, offered in conjunction with the Community and Behavioral Health program in the College of Public Health, requires students to apply to the College of Public Health in the spring of their junior year. Prospective students should consult their academic advisor to plan appropriate coursework for this integrated pathway. The program is designed for undergraduates seeking to combine a strong foundation in psychology with advanced public health training.
Duration: 60 months
Formats: accelerated
Concentrations:
- Community and Behavioral Health
Dual MPH/PharmD Program
The University of Iowa offers a PharmD/MPH combined degree program for students admitted to its PharmD program. This dual degree aims to provide PharmD students with specialized expertise in public health, focusing on pharmacotherapy, health promotion, disease prevention, and medication safety. The curriculum integrates 42 semester hours of MPH coursework, including core public health disciplines, electives, and a practicum, alongside the PharmD studies. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles at the intersection of pharmacy and public health in settings such as hospitals, government agencies, and managed care organizations. The program leverages online and face-to-face learning and is designed for full-time students.
Duration: 4 years
Formats: on-campus, online, full-time
Concentrations:
- General Public Health
MPH with Epidemiology Emphasis/Concentration
The MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Iowa is a specialized degree focused on equipping students with the fundamental concepts and methods of epidemiological practice. It emphasizes the development of methodologic skills, practical experience in public health settings, and the ability to analyze public health data to assess community disease burden. The program prepares graduates for careers in public health departments and healthcare organizations, focusing on areas such as disease surveillance, program evaluation, and outbreak investigation. Students learn to design studies, manage data, and contribute to public health interventions.
Duration: 24 months
Formats: on-campus, full-time
Concentrations:
- Epidemiology
Frequently Asked Questions about MPH Programs in Iowa
How many MPH programs are there in Iowa?
Iowa is home to several MPH programs and areas of concentration offered by key institutions. While the exact number of specializations can change, prospective students can find MPH options at universities like Saint Ambrose University, Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center, and the University of Iowa. It's advisable to check directly with these Iowa-based universities for the most current list of available MPH programs.
Which schools in Iowa offer MPH programs?
MPH programs in Iowa are available at institutions including Saint Ambrose University, Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center, and the University of Iowa. Each of these Iowa schools has its unique strengths and focus areas within public health.
What types of MPH program formats are available in Iowa?
In Iowa, students can find MPH programs in several formats to suit different learning preferences and career goals. These include traditional on-campus programs, flexible online MPH options, specialized dual degree programs, and time-efficient accelerated MPH tracks.
Are there any online MPH programs in Iowa? If so, which schools offer them?
Yes, online MPH programs are an option for students in Iowa. Universities in Iowa, such as the University of Iowa, Saint Ambrose University, and Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center, may provide online formats for public health education. For the latest information on online MPH degree offerings in Iowa, it is best to consult the official websites of these institutions.
Are there dual degree MPH programs in Iowa? If so, which schools?
Yes, Iowa offers dual degree MPH programs for students looking to combine public health expertise with another field. For example, the University of Iowa provides options such as the Dual BA/MPH Program and the Dual MPH/PharmD Program. These programs allow students to earn two degrees concurrently, often in less time than pursuing them separately.
Are there hybrid or accelerated MPH programs in Iowa?
Accelerated MPH programs are available in Iowa, allowing students to complete their degrees in a shorter timeframe. For instance, the University of Iowa offers the Dual BA/MPH Program, which serves as an accelerated pathway. You can explore further accelerated public health degrees on our national listings page. However, dedicated hybrid MPH programs, which blend online and on-campus learning, are not commonly listed among Iowa's MPH offerings. If you are specifically interested in MPH programs with a hybrid learning model, we recommend checking our national hybrid programs page for wider options.
What makes MPH programs in Iowa unique compared to other states?
MPH programs in Iowa often feature a strong emphasis on community health, addressing the specific public health challenges of rural populations, and agricultural health, which are pertinent to Iowa's demographic and economic structure. The state's robust healthcare infrastructure and academic medical centers, such as those affiliated with the University of Iowa and Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center, offer distinctive research, practicum, and networking opportunities. Additionally, MPH programs in Iowa may concentrate on tackling health disparities found in both urban centers and rural communities across the state.
What is the typical salary for MPH graduates in Iowa?
MPH graduates working in Iowa can generally expect an annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $90,000. This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the specific job role and responsibilities, the type of employer (e.g., government, non-profit, private sector), and the geographic location within Iowa.